Kobayashi gives up on 2013 race seat

18 December 2012 – Kamui Kobayashi has written a letter to his fans explaining that he will not be able to secure a competitive race seat for the 2013 campaign, leaving the Japanese driver to focus on a 2014 return. After being dropped by Sauber, the 26-year-old managed to raise more than 6 million pounds, but it is not enough to remain in Formula 1.

Kobayashi's full letter reads:'To All the fans,

Thank you for the big support. I am very appreciative that many of you have donated and (are) trying to make (a) donation.

I must mention this, that since the donations started, it has become quite big news in Japan. And because of your big support, it gave huge influences to some Japanese companies and I started receiving good support from them.

And I was in the position to bring a budget of 8 million Euro at least. If you could imagine the time I had, it was (an) overwhelming reaction and it shows there still is a great potential from Japanese companies.

Unfortunately, the time was still short and I am not able to secure the seat with (a) competitive F1 team for 2013. I have to admit that it is very sad and (I) feel sorry for (the) fans and Japanese companies who supported me. But I am still confident to make it happen in 2014.

I would like to stop the donations for now and while I will save all the money for 2014, I (will) start to look (at) what is the best option for 2013 and also 2014. My main priority is to secure the competitive F1 seat in 2014.

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